(WXYZ) - This has been a rough spring for people with allergies and asthma. Molds and pollen in the air outdoors have made yard work challenging. But indoor chores can also be a problem – unless you use the right products.
Sherry Higgins has had asthma since she was a child. As an adult things have gotten even worse.
Sherry says, “I have just recently been diagnosed with some major allergies.”
So keeping her house clean is an important step toward keeping her healthy. But some popular household cleaning products can trigger asthma symptoms.
“If I use harsher chemicals, it seems I have more trouble breathing. My chest gets tight and I cough a lot and those kind of symptoms,” according to Sherry.
Dr. Devang Doshi, Director of the Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology Department at Beaumont Hospital says those symptoms are not unusual. “Strong scents or odors can actually trigger asthma-like symptoms.”
And it doesn’t matter if the scent is a pleasant smell… or a chemical one.
Dr. Doshi told us, “If they have a strong scent that is enough to cause people's eyes to tear, their nose to run or they start coughing relatively soon after using any amount of that product, if they have a prolonged exposure to that same agent, they’re probably going to get into trouble.”
Strong scents are a problem primarily for people with allergies. But some practices should be avoided by everyone.
Dr. Doshi says, “We strongly recommend against using bleach straight forward. Avoid mixing bleach with ammonia because that can cause a significant reaction and harmful fumes even in the non asthmatic patients, they can get a chemical burn in their lungs.”
Dr. Doshi says there are precautions that can help. “The best thing is to, number one- use the product very sparingly, number two- try to use it in a very well ventilated area, if they can, turn on exhaust fans, leave windows open.
And Sherry has tried some new cleaning solutions. “I have changed my products to more environmentally friendly products and more natural products.”
